San Clemente City Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 12

I caught up with Rocco Carbonara, local culinary star and owner of the popular restaurant, Rocco’s the other day to see what he’s been up to lately. Recently, he’s been quite busy as he has opened a second restaurant at the downtown Holiday Inn called, Rocco’s Bistro 74. With that, he has taken over food and beverage for the hotel, which features two conference rooms and a pool area. I visited Rocco at Bistro 74 and was impressed with the restaurant’s new modern look, the clean large kitchen, various conference rooms and pool area available for events. I’ve lived here for years and have driven by the Holiday Inn many times, but had no idea they possessed these facilities. The pool area with adjacent conference room is perfect for parties and receptions. I asked Rocco about his new project 10 | S Magazine “With a restaurant that seats 60 to 70 easily, two conference rooms and pool I am able to accommodate much larger groups and host a wide variety of events, wedding receptions and birthday parties”, Rocco says. “We have already had a wedding rehearsal dinner, a wedding reception, a pool party, several catered lunches, a memorial service, and birthday parties with great success and happy clients. Also, we recently had a charity event with the amazing band Tunnel Vision that drew hundreds of [